** DISCLAIMER – The Arizona Coyotes caption quotes below these photos are not actually quotes of the pictured players. This is merely a satirical look at the action of the NHL, and editorial humorous remarks for fun.
Oct 14, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Anthony Duclair (10) is defended by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
” OK, I can feel something special in my stick tonight, no… not the splinter!” – Anthony Duclair, Left wing, Arizona Coyotes
To continue the series on Arizona Coyotes captions, we travel to Anaheim, California. The home of Disneyland. And the Arizona Coyotes might have thought they were in Disneyland because winning this game by a decisive 4-0 margin would have been nothing but a fantasy last season against this tough Western Conference contender.
At no time were the Arizona Coyotes trailing in the game, and that has been the pattern for all three games thus far this season. They are on a roll, and I mean a GIANT roll, because everything from the defense, goaltending, scoring, penalty kill, and yes even the power play which kicked in for this game has been top shelf.
Perhaps the players may wake up in the morning and think this was all a dream. I mean they were in the land of fairy tales and princess dust.
Don’t wake up Anthony Duclair, not just yet. Let him bask in the glory of his first NHL hat trick. And since Max Domi rooms with him, let him enjoy it too. Domi set up one of Duclair’s goal with a speedy rush down the left wing, to the back of the net and out front to Duclair. It was reminiscent of the way Duclair fed Toby Rieder in the Pittsburgh Penguins game last Saturday night.
Tonight the Dynamic Duo accounted for five points, and BIG Martin Hanzal added to his team leading sixth assist. It’s good to see the big guy playing pain free and using his size to make plays.
Next: Disbelief
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Oct 14, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Carl Hagelin (26) reacts against the Arizona Coyotes at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
”Who are these guys? Where’s the team we dominated last season? We should be playing like them.” – Carl Hagelin, Left wing Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks got tarred and feathered by the Arizona Coyotes, and that was as much a shock to them as it probably was to most NHL fans… except the Arizona Coyotes fans, that is.
Those three essentials which were mentioned before: Defense, Goaltending, and Scoring were all present and accounted for once more as this team is playing great hockey. They now have some swagger and confidence, which is never a bad thing.
Mike Smith again played such solid goaltending you’d swear it was 2011 and not 2015. He has position on most shots, and the most noticeable action has been how the defense is clearing opposing players out of his crease, and covering up that area when a loose puck finds its way in the vicinity.
Anaheim never got untracked, and the speed of the young prospects Domi, and Duclair caught them napping numbers times. On Duclair’s first of three goals Domi was putting it in after-burners, and there is no answer for speed but more speed. Anaheim was lacking in that area most of the night.
What is becoming more and more alarming is how when the Arizona Coyotes take a good lead, the other team starts getting chippy and crashing Mike Smith’s net. It can be expected, but perhaps appreciated since the other team is trying anything to put a spark into the team’s fate.
Next: Magical moments
Oct 14, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (33) and Arizona Coyotes center Max Domi (16) reach for the puck in the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
”Wow, you really are a magician with the puck… how did you get it to balance on your stick like that?” – Jakob Silfvergerg, Right wing, Anaheim Ducks
The magic of Max Domi is starting to come into play. He makes plays when there really isn’t one to make. He stick handles like he’s been in the NHL for ten years, and his skating is a thing of beauty. BUT, along with those mentioned attributes his speed has been what has generated scoring chances and dazzling plays.
He had a breakaway in this game, but got stopped by Andersen with an exceptional save. So, with a goal and an assist he very well could have added to that total. What is important to notice also about his play is due to this physique he is difficult to knock off his skates. Combine all these abilities and you have one heck of a hockey player.
Kudos must be given to GM Don Maloney who envisioned the Domi-Duclair connection and made it happen. Right about now the nay-sayers about the trade for Duclair are suspiciously silent. Every once in a while there are two players who hit it off both on the ice and off. These two young prospects are just the beginning.
Don’t forget we have Brendan Perlini, Christian Dvork, Dylan Strome still developing in junior or AHL leagues. If you add in the Domi-Duclai pair into the mix , the Arizona Coyotes will have something to cheer about.
And these first three games have left plenty to cheer about. Who are these guys?
